Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes (Cheese Optional)
I grew up with the traditional layered potato and onion version of scalloped potatoes. My husband doesnt care for onions, so I had to find another way to enjoy this dish. Im not willing to give up the flavour you get by using onions, so I finely chop them before cooking. That way they disappear from site but not from taste. This has become our standard recipe that has received lots of compliments, and is always requested when the kids come to visit. Especially good with meatloaf. You can vary the taste by adding different spices. Ive even added peas to the assembly. Also, feel free to increase the amount of cheese. NOTE: Your sauce will thicken much quicker if you use warmed milk. Microwave it for 1-1/2 minutes on High.
I grew up with the traditional layered potato and onion version of scalloped potatoes. My husband doesnt care for onions, so I had to find another way to enjoy this dish. Im not willing to give up the flavour you get by using onions, so I finely chop them before cooking. That way they disappear from site but not from taste. This has become our standard recipe that has received lots of compliments, and is always requested when the kids come to visit. Especially good with meatloaf. You can vary the taste by adding different spices. Ive even added peas to the assembly. Also, feel free to increase the amount of cheese. NOTE: Your sauce will thicken much quicker if you use warmed milk. Microwave it for 1-1/2 minutes on High.
- Carbohydrate 73.5808654215305 g
- Cholesterol 68.4906250709796 mg
- Fat 23.9347571082266 g
- Fiber 7.53547933212916 g
- Protein 16.9478125086298 g
- Saturated Fat 14.8428358489243 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 serving(s) (517g)
- Sodium 303.737833607965 mg
- Sugar 66.0453860894013 g
- Trans Fat 1.75484958510205 g
- Calories 567 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350*.
- Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- The size needed will depend on how large your potatoes are.
- Peel and slice potatoes 1/4” thick.
- Gently boil until almost cooked.
- Set aside to drain.
- Avoid breaking slices.
- In the same pot, melt butter on medium/high heat.
- Add onion and saute until tender but not brown.
- Sprinkle with flour and allow the flour to be absorbed by the hot butter.
- You may need to reduce the heat to avoid scorching.
- Slowly add the warm milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add salt, pepper, and the 1/2 cup of cheese, if using.
- Remove from heat and stir until the cheese has melted.
- Pour a small amount of the sauce in the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with half of the potato slices.
- Add half of the remaining sauce, followed by the rest of the potatoes and then the last of the sauce.
- Sprinkle with the 1/4 cup cheese, if using, and sprinkle with chives.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese has melted and is turning a golden brown.
Easy Creamy Scalloped Potatoes: A Family Favorite
For years, scalloped potatoes have been a staple in our family, a comforting dish that evokes memories of cozy evenings and happy gatherings. My earliest memories are of the classic layered potato and onion version, a dish so rich and flavorful. However, my husband, bless his heart, isn't a fan of onions. This presented a culinary challenge: how to retain the deliciousness of this classic comfort food without the onion component?
The solution, as it often is in cooking, involved a bit of adaptation and experimentation. I discovered that finely chopping the onions before cooking allows their flavor to permeate the dish without their presence being overtly noticeable. The result? A perfectly balanced scalloped potato recipe that pleases everyone, even the most discerning onion-averse palates. This adaptation has become a family favorite, always requested when our children come to visit, and a perfect accompaniment to meatloaf – a match made in culinary heaven!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor profile. I’ve even added peas to the mixture on occasion, resulting in a vibrant and nutritious twist on a classic dish. The amount of cheese is also completely customizable; don't hesitate to add more for an extra cheesy indulgence. And a pro-tip: using warmed milk significantly speeds up the thickening process of the creamy sauce. A quick microwave zap (about 1-1/2 minutes on high) does the trick.
This recipe is more than just a dish; it's a testament to the joy of adapting and innovating in the kitchen. It's a reflection of my commitment to creating food that not only tastes incredible but also brings people together. The compliments we've received over the years are a testament to the success of this culinary evolution. It's a recipe that embodies the spirit of family, comfort, and the unwavering pursuit of culinary perfection—even if it means sneaking in a few finely chopped onions!
Beyond the practicalities of the recipe, this dish represents something deeper. It's a symbol of adapting to different tastes and preferences, of finding a middle ground between tradition and innovation. It’s a representation of flexibility and the willingness to change things up, to make a dish truly your own. And that, to me, is just as important as the perfect balance of creamy potatoes and subtly sweet onions.
So, whether you're a seasoned home cook or a culinary novice, I encourage you to try this recipe. Let it be a source of comfort, a catalyst for happy gatherings, and a testament to the power of culinary adaptation. Enjoy the journey of creating your own version of this easy, creamy, and utterly delicious scalloped potato dish.
Beyond the Recipe: The process of tweaking recipes and finding what works best for your family is a rewarding one. It allows you to create unique family traditions and build memories around food that are just as meaningful as the taste itself. Consider this recipe a starting point – a foundation upon which you can build your own culinary legacy. Experiment with different cheeses, add your own favorite herbs and spices, and perhaps even create a variation that incorporates your own unique touch.
This recipe is more than just a dish; it's a story. A story of adaptation, of family, of the evolution of a classic dish into a personal favorite. It's a story that I hope you'll share with your own family, creating your own memories and traditions around this simple, yet satisfying, comfort food.
